A Questionnaire About Working: For those diagnosed with schizophrenia or psychotic disorder

1.

Dear Participant,

My name is Jenessa Fisk. I am a graduate student in Occupational Therapy at Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY. I am currently working on my thesis project, which will explore reasons why people with schizophrenia and psychotic disorder work and why they are able to work. After reading this letter you will be given the opportunity to complete an online survey regarding why you work and what makes it possible for you to work.

This survey should take approximately 15 minutes to complete.

I am looking for individuals who are over the age of 18, have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or psychotic disorder, and are currently employed in volunteer or paid employment.

The results of this project will be written and presented in a thesis format within the next year. I hope to share my results through publication in a professional journal or presentation at an occupational therapy conference so that more people may become aware of ways to better assist individuals in finding and keeping a meaningful job. The results may also be useful to guide how occupational therapists and other rehabilitation specialists can work with individuals with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders to find and keep a job (paid or volunteer).

There is little risk to completing the survey; however, if thinking about your responses cause you to feel distress please contact a source of support. If at any time a question causes you discomfort you may choose to skip that question. You can stop completing the survey at any time you choose. All of your answers will remain anonymous and confidential. If you continue to feel distress I would encourage you to seek assistance through local counseling or psychological services.

If you have any questions about the survey or being a participant, please contact me at jfisk1@ithaca.edu or contact Dr. Judy Gonyea, my thesis advisor, at (607) 274-1737 or jgonyea@ithaca.edu.

The survey tool is encrypted and secure so all information can only be accessed by the researchers. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Ithaca College has approved this study. Thank you for taking the time to complete my survey.

Sincerely,Jenessa Fisk

By clicking the button below you confirm that you agree to participate in this study, although you may discontinue participation at any time. You also acknowledge that you are 18 years or older and are you own legal guardian. If you are over the age of 18 but not your own legal guardian, you acknowledge that a legal guardian has viewed the information provided above and agrees to the information provided above.